ORAL SLEEP APPLIANCES
An oral sleep appliance is a custom-made device worn in the mouth while sleeping to treat snoring and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). It works by repositioning the jaw and tongue to keep the airway open, preventing airway collapse and reducing snoring and pauses in breathing.
Do you feel dizzy or restless when you wake up in the morning? Do you often have trouble with weight loss or paying attention at work or school? Does your partner complain that you snore? Are you reluctant to use a CPAP machine?
What is Obstructive Sleep Apnea?
In the United States, 26% of the adult population has obstructive sleep apnea. However, many people are undiagnosed meaning more people are afflicted.
The airway is obstructed or collapsed while sleeping resulting in reduced oxygen levels to the brain and heart. It can be due to tongue position, large neck or tonsils, retruded lower jaw position, or from sleeping on your back.
OSA is often associated with obesity, diabetes type 2, GERD, high blood pressure, increased chance of stroke and heart attack, cognitive impairment, and depression.
OSA resembles ADHD symptoms resulting in misdiagnosis. OSA can also increase the symptoms of ADHD, thus taking ADHD medications will not effectively treat the illness.
Why is Sleep So Important?
Adequate sleep is essential for overall health and wellbeing. When you fall asleep blood pressure and stress hormones (cortisol) decrease which improves circulation and metabolism. A good night's sleep boosts the immune system, thus less likely to get sick.
In adolescents and teenagers, growth and development occurs during sleep. Sleep helps with the formation of long term memory. Sleep deprivation can make it difficult to perform daily tasks such as driving a vehicle, and performing schoolwork, and reduced attention span.
What are the Benefits of Oral Sleep Appliance (OSA)?
-Oral sleep appliances have much greater compliance as they are more comfortable. CPAP has low compliance due to it being loud, bulky, and uncomfortable to wear. About one-half of patients are unable to tolerate CPAP.
-OSA does NOT release any chemicals. CPAP machines are often recalled for releasing volatile organic compound (VOC) that irritate skin, eyes, respiratory tract. In severe circumstance VOCs are carcinogenic (cancer causing).
-OSA requires less maintenance. CPAP requires electricity making it difficult for people who travel a lot. OSA is small, light and requires no electricity. CPAPs need to be cleaned regularly and filters replaced.